Worcester work on landing Gear

Worcester are among the clubs waiting for the New Zealand wing Rico Gear to decide whether to join the southern hemisphere exodus to Europe. The 29-year-old will make an announcement on his future this month having been left out of the squad for the current series against France.

Worcester held on to their Premiership status on the final day of last season and the chairman, Cecil Duckworth, said last month that his priority was to sign pedigree three-quarters as the club seek to increase their pace and attacking options. The New Zealand centre Sam Tuitupou is already on his way to Sixways.

The All Blacks are alarmed at the number of players in New Zealand who have joined European clubs or are considering their options and the New Zealand coach, Steve Hansen, warned of the effect such overseas recruitment might have on the game in England and France. "The recent tours by the European nations should have shown them the need to have fewer foreign players appearing in their domestic competitions," he said.

The Sale prop Andrew Sheridan, whose appearances were hit last season by ankle and knee injuries, will resume full training on Monday and be available for England's pre-World Cup friendlies in August.